Mrs. Joyce Marie Dancy Battle began her journey of life on April 3, 1946, in Green County, North Carolina. She was born to Jessie Dixon and the late Sadie Lee Dancy Carter. Joyce was a kind-hearted person. She opened her heart and home to many who were in need. She was also a devout disciple of Christ, and spent many years serving the Lord through her church- and community-based activities. She was a loving, giving, and generous person. She was known for her quick wit, infectious smile, and helping hands.
Joyce graduated from Ayden High School in North Carolina in 1964. She then matriculated at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she majored in English. She was an excellent writer. Her powerful words still live in the many church newsletters that she created and wrote. After moving to Connecticut, Joyce enrolled in the University of Hartford to continue her studies.
Joyce was an entrepreneur. While living in Connecticut, she established a day care center and she also worked in her former husband’s real estate business (Douglas Realty, owned by Harold Douglas).
Joyce met the love of her life, Mr. William J. Battle, in 1994 in Hartford, Connecticut. Then, the two of them served the Lord together at the Cross Street African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Middletown, Connecticut, where William’s father was the former Pastor, and where they were eventually married.
After spending many happy years together in Hartford, Connecticut, Joyce and William moved to North Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after their arrival, they became leading, active members of the Baum Temple African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in Summerville, South Carolina (where the Reverend Dr. Terrence Jones is the Pastor). William took on the role of Church Musician and Joyce started the church’s first newsletter. Joyce also volunteered in the Dorchester School District Two for many years. Together, Joyce and William served as foster parents for several young people in need of a loving family home.
On Saturday, July 18, 2020 at the Medical University of South Carolina, Joyce went home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sadie Lee Dancy Carter; her stepson, William J. Battle, Jr.; and her grandson, Baby Shakur Battle. Joyce is survived by her husband, William J. Battle; three sons: Harold Douglas, III, Curtis Douglas, and Eric Douglas; one daughter: Alexus Battle;her father; Jessie Dixon two brothers: James Dixon (and wife Carolyn) and Jacob Dixon; one sister: Marcie Barnes (and husband Donald); two brothers-in-law: George C. Battle. Jr. and the Reverend James M. Battle (and wife Susan Battle); and one sister-in-law: Addie Christine Allen (and husband Claude). She was also blessed with eight grandchildren: Nicole Battle, Shanice Douglas, Tasha Douglas, Michael Douglas, Dominique Douglas, Ayana Douglas, Amiya Douglas, and Jeremiah Suzo as well as three great-grandchildren and a host of aunts, cousins, and friends.
Joyce lived life to its fullest. She embraced each day as a gift from God and always saw the best in people. Everyone whose lives were touched by Joyce will cherish the precious memories of having had her in their lives. She encouraged and inspired many people. She loved and cared for all. Family was very important to her. She will be deeply missed.
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